News: Higashi no Eden

June 29, 2009, 01:58 PM

by ollie, via Production I.G -
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The recent Kenji Kamiyama anime series "Higashi no Eden" finished a few weeks ago in Japan, with two theatrical releases on the way, I thought it worth mentioning the rather interesting narrative and how closely it ties into ARGs.

The series follows a protagonist by the name of Akira Takizawa who has lost his memories but retains a tricked out mobile phone pumped with 8 billion yen of electronic money. It turns out that Akira is a member of the Seleção; a group of 12 individuals tasked with the objective of "saving" the nation of Japan. The interesting part is how the whole setup is essentially a game, where the Seleção are pitted against one another to improve the nation via their new-found bank balances. Those who fail or misuse the money for selfish deeds are summarily terminated.

For those unaware, Kamiyama directed the recent Ghost in the Shell TV series and this admittedly more contemporary work is still as involved. The approach is an interesting one though, especially if your interested in ARG (like me) and the corollary that politics is ultimately comprised of various gaming rule sets.

As yet, there is no word on an international release.